Philadelphia 3 February 1797 Sir I have received your letter of the [undecipherable] instant — I am indeed very busy making a General Return of the Stores on hand belonging to the Public in the Several Deposits of the United States — all are necessary when Congress is Sitting, 'tis a pity we cannot get any credit for our industry — some of the Members affect to believe we receive great places for nothing — I am sorry for Rea Pole — hope he will recover for reasons political as well as humane — Wrinshalls Bill is honored — The Appropriation for the last year being exhausted and no other being provided, your last Estimate lies before the Secretary of the Treasury — Hop's draft is paid — yours very sincerely Samuel Hodgdon [Left margin:] you talk of coming here I should think you had better be here as until Congress rise — as you cannot perhaps get any new business taken up [Docket: Samuel Hodgdon / 3^d Feb. 1797] [Address: Major [undecipherable] Craig]